Crunch time on Lake Champlain - Major League Fishing

Crunch time on Lake Champlain

Angler-of-the-year title and co-angler champion to be decided after today's competition
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A boater jets away from the starting line shortly after takeoff. Photo by Gary Mortenson.
June 21, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – In what could amount to the most important day of fishing in the entire 2002 FLW season, the top 20 anglers from each division sailed past Mooney Bay Marina shortly after 7:45 a.m. to commence one of the most exciting days of tournament competition to date.

So what’s at stake during today’s action? For starters, co-anglers will be vying for a first-place prize of $40,000 as their competition ends after today’s weigh-in. Meanwhile, the top-20 pros will be battling to qualify for Saturday’s final, which ultimately offers a top prize of $210,000. However, today’s competition has ramifications well beyond this tournament.

Leading the charge for the most important story of the day is the amazing race for the 2002 Angler-of-the-Year title. Although Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., had a commanding lead heading into the Lake Champlain tournament, a late surge by Jay Yelas of Tyler, Texas, has put the end result in doubt. With VanDam’s 44th-place finish, Yelas – who qualified for today’s semifinals in fourth place – only needs to finish higher than 16th place to claim the title.

In addition, today’s competition represents one of the final days of the season to gain valuable year-end standings points – a crucial component for qualifying for the 2002 FLW Championship, scheduled to take place Sept. 11-14 on Cross Lake in Shreveport, La. The championship, which boasts a total purse of $800,000, offers a top prize in the Pro Division of $260,000. However, only the top 48 anglers in each field – based on year-end point standings – will be invited to the championship.

FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 25 Consumer Square in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 5:09 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 72 degrees
Expected high temperature: 83 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: from the southeast at 9 mph
Relative humidity: 66 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy

Related links:
Photos
Day-three pairings
Day-two results